Fear is a huge motivator. It prevents us from taking action. It causes us to take certain precautions. It works to keep us safe. Fear is an important emotion. It can also be extremely deceptive. Our fears convince us to see monsters where there are none. We jump at shadows. We avoid living. We allow fear to paralyze us.
How to find the balance between protection and paralysis?
In a perfect world—which, of course, doesn't exist—the protecting agent that is fear would only kick in when needed and exit peacefully when the need passed.
Living in a perfectly non-perfect world, I struggle with my fears. I imagine I’m not alone in this. As a writer, I draw on my feelings for two reasons... at least... writing helps me understand myself better and (hopefully) gives my characters more depth.
I have more questions than answers. That’s why my blog is a “musing” and not a “FAQ”. The deeper I dig, the less I understand. Like an iceberg, much lies concealed beneath the surface.
Showing posts with label @mayatylerauthor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label @mayatylerauthor. Show all posts
March 22, 2019
January 12, 2019
A Few Fast Facts about Maya Tyler
Last week, I found this author's challenge list and thought answering the questions—basically an interview with myself—would make a great blog post. Here goes...
***
1. 2019 writing goals - polish and publish A Wizard's Choice (my nanowrimo book); complete some of my work-in-progresses; and write my fictionalized life story
2. Who are you? - I am kind
3. Your title page
4. Fav cover art
5. Nature setting - sunny, cloudless day on a sandy beach with the waves gently rolling toward the shore
6. Great opening line - Once upon a time - because that's how all fairy tales begin...
7. Writer food - coffee... it's a food, right?
8. Dialog - In a novel, I write it as I hear my character's say it, but writing it well—using it sparingly to move the story forward and identifying the speaker without overkill tags—is a challenge. In a chat story, dialog drives the whole story which has made me think differently about dialog.
9. Book quote
10. Your protagonist - from A Wizard's Choice, Kurtis Warde—an angry and conflicted wizard's apprentice
11. Writing advice
12. Fav classic
13. Fav book and why
A favourite for many reasons... including... "Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles." What else does a great story need?
14. Your writing life - inspiration and sacrifice
15. Where you write - anywhere and everywhere - especially my beautiful purple office and my outdoor family room
16. Why write?
17. Pet friends - my precious nine-pound wonder Buddy who is living with (as opposed to dying from) congestive heart failure
18. Great closing line - The End - where you expecting something a little more auspicious?
January 5, 2019
Just a Dream?
My entire life I've had very vivid dreams. The main theme consisted of being chased with people trying to kill me. Last year, I had two sleep studies to see if my vivid dreaming was a medical condition impairing the quality of my sleep. I even took pills to suppress my dreams. The pills didn't work, and I found out I have mild sleep apnea.
My dreams—disturbing as they may sometimes be—have been a source of inspiration for me. My first novella Dream Hunter was literally a dream come true.
I've been fascinated with dreams for a long time. What do they mean? What do they say about the dreamer? What is the greater significance?
Last night, I dreamt an elementary school-aged boy kicked me in the back of my head. I felt my whole body shake like the rumble mode of a game console controller. I turned around, and he attempted to kick me in the face. I jumped back, realizing that the first kick had been intentional. I reported the boy to his teacher, and hand wrote an account of what had happened on an unlined piece of white paper. Fast forward to hiking up a rocky hill with a bunch of people I didn't recognize. One of those people gave me a scrap a paper with the school principal's contact info. The paper had other names on it as well. I understood that the teacher hadn't dealt with the boy, and I emailed the principal. Fast forward to me having a shower in an unfamiliar house.
My husband has also taken an interest in my dreams, offering insight and analysis. I haven't told him this one yet because I'm pretty sure what he'll think. The boy's attack represents the co-worker who assaulted me. The teacher who didn't discipline the boy represents my inept manager. The principal represents the authorities who I turned to for help. Having a shower? I see that as symbolic of absolution and a fresh start. What happened to me affected my life (negatively) and the lives of my family. I sometimes wonder if I would have done things differently. I know I wouldn't have, but I still feel the occasional pangs of guilt about the emotional and financial impact of my decisions. Yet my path is facing this fight head-on because it's the right thing to do. This is a new year full of possibility... and possibly even resolution.
I wonder if my theory will agree with my husband's?
My dreams—disturbing as they may sometimes be—have been a source of inspiration for me. My first novella Dream Hunter was literally a dream come true.
I've been fascinated with dreams for a long time. What do they mean? What do they say about the dreamer? What is the greater significance?
Last night, I dreamt an elementary school-aged boy kicked me in the back of my head. I felt my whole body shake like the rumble mode of a game console controller. I turned around, and he attempted to kick me in the face. I jumped back, realizing that the first kick had been intentional. I reported the boy to his teacher, and hand wrote an account of what had happened on an unlined piece of white paper. Fast forward to hiking up a rocky hill with a bunch of people I didn't recognize. One of those people gave me a scrap a paper with the school principal's contact info. The paper had other names on it as well. I understood that the teacher hadn't dealt with the boy, and I emailed the principal. Fast forward to me having a shower in an unfamiliar house.
My husband has also taken an interest in my dreams, offering insight and analysis. I haven't told him this one yet because I'm pretty sure what he'll think. The boy's attack represents the co-worker who assaulted me. The teacher who didn't discipline the boy represents my inept manager. The principal represents the authorities who I turned to for help. Having a shower? I see that as symbolic of absolution and a fresh start. What happened to me affected my life (negatively) and the lives of my family. I sometimes wonder if I would have done things differently. I know I wouldn't have, but I still feel the occasional pangs of guilt about the emotional and financial impact of my decisions. Yet my path is facing this fight head-on because it's the right thing to do. This is a new year full of possibility... and possibly even resolution.
I wonder if my theory will agree with my husband's?
August 6, 2018
Flash Fiction Summer Series - Story #2
From the Woods by @mayatylerauthor
Once upon a time—because all the best stories begin that way—there lived a fairy princess in the enchanted woods now known as Foloi Forest. Princess Xylia was loved by her people, holding not only their love but also their deepest respect. Princess X—a pet name bestowed by her fairy family, The Glitter—carried the appearance of youth and the wisdom of age. She happily wore her long blond hair free, letting it flow behind her like a yellow river as she raced through the great forest. Under a carefree guise, she surveyed their domain with the cunning of a hunter. Her intelligent green eyes missed nothing.
The Glitter depended on her to keep them safe. Although they lived an immortal life, they were still susceptible to harm and potentially even death. A revelation painfully learned ages ago when the human world became a lot less hospitable to the fairy folk. For thousands of years, humankind and fairies had lived in harmony. In a symbiotic relationship. Until The Great Divide when a faction of fairies embraced dark magic and became wizards. Afterward, the humans began to distrust and fear fairy magic.
Fairies once roamed the earth, assuming the stature of humans. Now, they hid from the world outside the woods in their diminutive form, making their homes nestled in the majestic oak trees. The tiny creatures cared for their environment, using their magic to help the plants grow and the seasons change. For most this existence was enough.
A shrill voice resonated throughout the quiet woods. "Xylia!"
Princess Xylia wrinkled her nose in distaste. Her young sister Talia was the only fairy to achieve such a pitch. No doubt disturbing more than one fairy at work in the woods. "What do you want now, sister?" she muttered.
"There you are!" Talia bounced exuberantly toward her sister. "I have been looking everywhere for you. Didn't you hear me call your name?"
Intentionally ignoring the blatant criticism, Xylia reached inward for every scrap of patience she could summon to withstand the whirlwind exchange. It was difficult acting both mother and father to the high-strung sprite. "I thought your schooling occupied your time today, Talia."
Talia had the decency to blush. "I'm bored. Why must I study letters and sums on such a beautiful day?"
"Oh, Talia."
"Please, Xylia, may I go play? I'll study twice as hard tomorrow."
Xylia rubbed the back of her neck. Fighting with Talia always brought on head pains. "Very well. You may go, but remain in the woods. I don't want to hear of any more daring explorations."
Talia smiled demurely. She dropped into an absurd curtsy before dashing away.
"That girl." Xylia shook her head slightly and watched Talia's retreating form. "If anything becomes of me, then our future will rest in her hands."
Talia skipped through the woods, elated to escape the tedious yoke of her studies. Xylia would become suspicious if she begged off every day, but today was special. Fenix waited for her at their place just beyond the fringe of the woods. She nervously smoothed her unruly blond hair. Like its owner, her crown of golden locks had a mind of its own and refused to be tamed. Other than her striking green eyes and lithe figure, she differed from her elder sister, in all manners, like day to night. Xylia had been born old, knowing that she would one day hold all the responsibility of The Glitter. Her burden had only increased with the death of their parents during The Great Divide. Talia had been born with the freedom, and reckless curiosity, to move like the wind. Even so, she felt a twinge of guilt at shirking her own duties. Although seeing Fenix—the exciting adventurer she'd been meeting in secret for months now—was worth every sacrifice. Especially today. She was sure he would declare his love for her.
Talia was in love with Fenix. Perhaps it had even been love at first sight. Her heart skipped a beat excitedly as she neared her destination. She stepped through the barrier of translucent blue sparkles that shielded the fairy folk. As she passed over the magical gate, she assumed the human form, by increasing her stature and changing her clothes.
Stepping away from the safety of the trees, Talia was unaware of two things: how ethereal she appeared with the sunlight glittering through her hair; and how Fenix had betrayed her trust and, ultimately, her love.
"Talia!"
Instinctively, she moved toward the sensuous voice of her love. She stopped in her tracks when she spotted Fenix. He was surrounded by strange men in uniforms.
"Fenix?" She evaluated the scene shrewdly. "What's going on?"
Remorse covered his face like a weighted blanket. He stood there woodenly except for the mournful shake of his head. His shoulders were hunched over in defeat, and desperation raged in his dark eyes.
One of the men stepped forward. His uniform held decorations, and he looked older than the others. "Good work, son." The man patted Fenix soundly on the back and assessed him proudly. "You've done well."
Fenix looked directly at Talia with a wild, panicked look in his eyes. "Run!"
Talia jerked out of her trance-like, surreal state and turned toward the woods. Sounds of the men shouting and moving behind her faded into the background as she ran. She connected sure-footed against the uneven undergrowth and made way for the gate. She saw the shimmery blue sparkles beckoning to her as the heavy net collapsed over her head.
"Xylia!" She extended her hand toward the gate as she screamed her sister's name.
THE END
If you liked this short story, then you may enjoy my paranormal romance A Vampire's Tale, available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo, and Smashwords. Check out my publisher's book page for more details. http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Tyler_Maya/a-vampires-tale.htm
Also, stay tuned for more magic in the anticipated sequel of A Vampire's Tale about Kurtis Warde and the wizards of The Circle.
Once upon a time—because all the best stories begin that way—there lived a fairy princess in the enchanted woods now known as Foloi Forest. Princess Xylia was loved by her people, holding not only their love but also their deepest respect. Princess X—a pet name bestowed by her fairy family, The Glitter—carried the appearance of youth and the wisdom of age. She happily wore her long blond hair free, letting it flow behind her like a yellow river as she raced through the great forest. Under a carefree guise, she surveyed their domain with the cunning of a hunter. Her intelligent green eyes missed nothing.
The Glitter depended on her to keep them safe. Although they lived an immortal life, they were still susceptible to harm and potentially even death. A revelation painfully learned ages ago when the human world became a lot less hospitable to the fairy folk. For thousands of years, humankind and fairies had lived in harmony. In a symbiotic relationship. Until The Great Divide when a faction of fairies embraced dark magic and became wizards. Afterward, the humans began to distrust and fear fairy magic.
Fairies once roamed the earth, assuming the stature of humans. Now, they hid from the world outside the woods in their diminutive form, making their homes nestled in the majestic oak trees. The tiny creatures cared for their environment, using their magic to help the plants grow and the seasons change. For most this existence was enough.
***
A shrill voice resonated throughout the quiet woods. "Xylia!"
Princess Xylia wrinkled her nose in distaste. Her young sister Talia was the only fairy to achieve such a pitch. No doubt disturbing more than one fairy at work in the woods. "What do you want now, sister?" she muttered.
"There you are!" Talia bounced exuberantly toward her sister. "I have been looking everywhere for you. Didn't you hear me call your name?"
Intentionally ignoring the blatant criticism, Xylia reached inward for every scrap of patience she could summon to withstand the whirlwind exchange. It was difficult acting both mother and father to the high-strung sprite. "I thought your schooling occupied your time today, Talia."
Talia had the decency to blush. "I'm bored. Why must I study letters and sums on such a beautiful day?"
"Oh, Talia."
"Please, Xylia, may I go play? I'll study twice as hard tomorrow."
Xylia rubbed the back of her neck. Fighting with Talia always brought on head pains. "Very well. You may go, but remain in the woods. I don't want to hear of any more daring explorations."
Talia smiled demurely. She dropped into an absurd curtsy before dashing away.
"That girl." Xylia shook her head slightly and watched Talia's retreating form. "If anything becomes of me, then our future will rest in her hands."
***
Talia skipped through the woods, elated to escape the tedious yoke of her studies. Xylia would become suspicious if she begged off every day, but today was special. Fenix waited for her at their place just beyond the fringe of the woods. She nervously smoothed her unruly blond hair. Like its owner, her crown of golden locks had a mind of its own and refused to be tamed. Other than her striking green eyes and lithe figure, she differed from her elder sister, in all manners, like day to night. Xylia had been born old, knowing that she would one day hold all the responsibility of The Glitter. Her burden had only increased with the death of their parents during The Great Divide. Talia had been born with the freedom, and reckless curiosity, to move like the wind. Even so, she felt a twinge of guilt at shirking her own duties. Although seeing Fenix—the exciting adventurer she'd been meeting in secret for months now—was worth every sacrifice. Especially today. She was sure he would declare his love for her.
Talia was in love with Fenix. Perhaps it had even been love at first sight. Her heart skipped a beat excitedly as she neared her destination. She stepped through the barrier of translucent blue sparkles that shielded the fairy folk. As she passed over the magical gate, she assumed the human form, by increasing her stature and changing her clothes.
Stepping away from the safety of the trees, Talia was unaware of two things: how ethereal she appeared with the sunlight glittering through her hair; and how Fenix had betrayed her trust and, ultimately, her love.
"Talia!"
Instinctively, she moved toward the sensuous voice of her love. She stopped in her tracks when she spotted Fenix. He was surrounded by strange men in uniforms.
"Fenix?" She evaluated the scene shrewdly. "What's going on?"
Remorse covered his face like a weighted blanket. He stood there woodenly except for the mournful shake of his head. His shoulders were hunched over in defeat, and desperation raged in his dark eyes.
One of the men stepped forward. His uniform held decorations, and he looked older than the others. "Good work, son." The man patted Fenix soundly on the back and assessed him proudly. "You've done well."
Fenix looked directly at Talia with a wild, panicked look in his eyes. "Run!"
Talia jerked out of her trance-like, surreal state and turned toward the woods. Sounds of the men shouting and moving behind her faded into the background as she ran. She connected sure-footed against the uneven undergrowth and made way for the gate. She saw the shimmery blue sparkles beckoning to her as the heavy net collapsed over her head.
"Xylia!" She extended her hand toward the gate as she screamed her sister's name.
THE END
***
If you liked this short story, then you may enjoy my paranormal romance A Vampire's Tale, available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo, and Smashwords. Check out my publisher's book page for more details. http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Tyler_Maya/a-vampires-tale.htm
Also, stay tuned for more magic in the anticipated sequel of A Vampire's Tale about Kurtis Warde and the wizards of The Circle.
February 15, 2018
Night Owl Romance "A Tea Party & Books" Scavenger Hunt
From the folks at Night Owl Romance...
It's a wonderful time of the year where we dream about all the great books we will read and add to our 2018 lists. Let us help you find some great authors and books to add to your To Be Read Pile. Plus along the way get entered to win Amazon Gift Cards that can help make all your reading dreams come true.
36 AUTHORS
123 WINNERS
$900 IN PRIZES
1st Place - $100 Amazon eGift Card
$50 Amazon eGift Card (2nd Place)
$25 Amazon eGift Card (3rd Place)
$10 Amazon eGift Card (25 Winners)
$5 Amazon eGift Card (95 Winners)
As one of the sponsors of this event, I'm going to introduce you to new authors and help you find some great new books. Make sure to check out my featured title—A Vampire's Tale—along the way.
There are $900 in prizes up for grabs for 123 winners.. including the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card. Enter now.
Don't wait. The hunt ends on March 8.
January 19, 2018
"she leads a lonely life" or does she?
It occurred to me that I prefer to write alone.
I can stare off into the distance. I can jab accusingly at the hypnotically blinking cursor on my computer screen. I can talk to myself without getting an external response.
I'm an uncomplicated person. I have no desire to shroud myself in drama. Yet, in doing so, I miss experiencing the conflict which could potentially translate into the crux of a story. Or do I?
I see the discord around me as inspiration.
Last year, I observed a married couple—let's call them Vicky and Tim—who arrived separately, for months, at school—each picking up one son—and leaving without speaking to each other. I immediately considered the motivation behind such actions. Even if Vicky and Tim had arrived in separate cars, coming from opposite directions, they would still speak to each other at school. Wouldn't they? A disagreement would explain a few, but not all, incidents. So would leaving quickly due to after-school commitments or inclement weather. I knew the only explanation was that Vicky and Tim had separated. Before the end of the school year, Vicky bought a new house. My evidence was still circumstantial until I heard via the Social Media grapevine that Vicky was newly single.
Do you give the strangers you encounter a back story? The harried-looking woman in the grocery store with three screaming toddlers in tow. The group of young boys sitting under the tree, making obnoxious comments at the young girls—possibly classmates—walking by. The older woman walking her dog, staring blankly into the distance. Who are these people? What happened in their life? What brought them to this point?
I quietly observe.
I set myself apart. I am more comfortable standing in quiet solitude than making urbane small-talk. It is easy to mistake the state of being alone for loneliness. Think the Ace of Base song "All That She Wants" and its apt lyrics.
I can stare off into the distance. I can jab accusingly at the hypnotically blinking cursor on my computer screen. I can talk to myself without getting an external response.
I'm an uncomplicated person. I have no desire to shroud myself in drama. Yet, in doing so, I miss experiencing the conflict which could potentially translate into the crux of a story. Or do I?
Last year, I observed a married couple—let's call them Vicky and Tim—who arrived separately, for months, at school—each picking up one son—and leaving without speaking to each other. I immediately considered the motivation behind such actions. Even if Vicky and Tim had arrived in separate cars, coming from opposite directions, they would still speak to each other at school. Wouldn't they? A disagreement would explain a few, but not all, incidents. So would leaving quickly due to after-school commitments or inclement weather. I knew the only explanation was that Vicky and Tim had separated. Before the end of the school year, Vicky bought a new house. My evidence was still circumstantial until I heard via the Social Media grapevine that Vicky was newly single.
Do you give the strangers you encounter a back story? The harried-looking woman in the grocery store with three screaming toddlers in tow. The group of young boys sitting under the tree, making obnoxious comments at the young girls—possibly classmates—walking by. The older woman walking her dog, staring blankly into the distance. Who are these people? What happened in their life? What brought them to this point?
I quietly observe.
I set myself apart. I am more comfortable standing in quiet solitude than making urbane small-talk. It is easy to mistake the state of being alone for loneliness. Think the Ace of Base song "All That She Wants" and its apt lyrics.
She leads a lonely life
She leads a lonely life
When she woke up late in the morning light
And the day had just begun
She opened up her eyes and thought
Oh what a morning
Loneliness is a matter of prespective. In the quiet of my mind, I have the freedom—and privilege—to create these amazing characters and the ability to tell their stories.
September 29, 2017
The White Car Epidemic by @mayatylerauthor
As a writer, I consider myself a keen observer of human nature. We are more than the façade we portray to the public. What makes people tick? What motivations lie behind their actions? Are they conscious of these motivations?
Twelve years ago, I worked at a private IT company. Needless to say, it was a short-lived position. I learned quickly that ethical recourse doesn’t exist in the private sector. (I later learned it doesn’t exist in the public sector either.) Anyway, both the president and vice-president of this particular company drove white SUVs. From my observations of their blatant sense of self-importance and knowledge of their six-figure salaries, I hypothesized people buy white cars for status, and they are usually the nouveau riche. Over the years, I noted further evidence to support this premise. When I shared my theory with my husband, he was amazed. Every person we know with a white car fit the bill. Status hungry. Quasi or nouveau riche. And the recent boom in white cars in our neighbourhoods collaborates my theory. There is a ‘type’ of people who buy white cars. Is this a conscious decision?
Which other types crave this level of external validation? The person who documents their life—every mundane detail—on social media? The person who buys brand name clothing and accessories? The person who constantly flaunts their ‘perfect’ life before it all falls apart?
Life is a fragile commodity; built on an unstable house of cards. We buy over-priced homes, and fund our lifestyles with home equity loans. We use our retirement savings for vacations. Our credit cards are maxed. We live paycheque to paycheque. And we are delusional enough to keep accumulating stuff—in a desperate attempt to find fulfillment—to assuage our deep-seated unhappiness.
Observe the parking lot of an affluent shopping complex. Look at the cars lining the city’s main roads and highways. We are surrounded by flashy white cars. And their owners who thought buying a white car would show the world they had made it.
As a writer, I see beyond the owner of a white car. I see an insecure person seeking external validation to solidify their position in society. I see an arrogant person flaunting their wealth—or illusion of wealth—and their ‘good life.’ I hear a desperate cry for acceptance.
But who am I to judge? With my Nike sneakers and Coach handbag… choices I made for comfort and style…
September 22, 2017
Happy Book Birthday, A Vampire's Tale!
Six months ago, Tirgearr Publishing released my second paranormal romance novel. To celebrate, Writer Marketing Services has organized a month-long Birthday Bash Blitz! Check out all the stops listed at www.MayaTylerAuthor.com.
A Vampire's Tale is a story about a story. This particular tale belongs to Corgan Halton, a vampire set to disprove Hollywood’s misconceptions about vampires, before he ends his existence. He selects Marisa Clements—an aspiring, paranormal author—to write about his life. With Corgan’s ability to see the future, he knows Marisa will be involved in his death and his presence in her life will place her in grave danger.
Why a Book about Vampires?
It all starts with an idea. Before writing A Vampire’s Tale, I had never considered writing a vampire book. Why now? Like my character, vampire Corgan Halton, I find the Hollywood vampire, re-invented over and over is, at times, unbelievable and inconsistent. Still, we are fascinated with each interpretation. Hollywood has definitely romanticized vampires. I think the allure, the attraction, is the flirtation with danger. If you think about what a vampire is—undead, blood drinking, human killing machine—romance really doesn’t come to mind.
Like any tragic hero, a vampire’s back story is what fascinated me. And I wondered. If vampires were real, what would they really be like?
Available now!
Amazon
Smashwords
Apple
Kobo
Barnes & Noble
September 15, 2017
What you need to know about SEO by @mayatylerauthor
Writing books is only part of an author’s job description. The writing—most authors would agree—is the fun part, and the book promotion is decidedly not. After experiencing the mental exhaustion of pouring heart and soul into my book, how am I going to find readers to buy it? The answer? I’m always on the lookout for the latest trends in book marketing and promotion. And, it turns out, book promotion is another area I can stretch my creative wings.
What is SEO and why do you need it? SEO, search engine optimization, is the way to get content in front of your target audience. If you have a web presence, you need to read this article.
SEO is an art and a science. There are two main steps: 1. Produce good content; 2. Promote that content. You can have the best blog post / book / website out there, but if you don’t promote it strategically, no one will know. Likewise, you can heavily promote inferior content and risk losing readers / followers. Think quality over quantity.
Content is King
An effective website, or webpage, contains quality content focused on the user’s intent. When creating content, remember word count, keyword distribution, internal links, and headers affect search rank. Choose your topic selectively. Focus on a subject you are an authority on. It establishes your credibility. Aim for a target length between 300 and 1900 words, using concise sentences. Contrary to past trends, readers seek long-form content as long as it’s applicable to them. Engage with your audience. In addition to the “why” and “how-to” posts, using lists, quizzes, infographics, and videos are popular ways to create engaging content. Create content with a keyword in mind.
The Key to Keyword Selection
Use tools like Google Adwords to determine the analytics on potential keywords and related synonyms. Also, consider exploiting knowledge of important (and similar) topics and themes to increase your readership. Use your keyword in the title and the first sentence of your first paragraph. Use your keyword in the metadata title—the highlighted text in a search engine result—and in the metadata description—the text which describes your website. Target keyword density, the percentage of times the keyword appears in your content compared to the total number of words, between one and three percent.
Don’t Forget Formatting
Content structure—which affects search rank—is (almost) as important as the content. Eye tracking studies measure user experience signals where, and for how long, people look on a webpage. In the eight-seconds you have to grab your reader’s attention, it’s crucial to know where they will look first. Use the real estate above the fold—the space you can see before scrolling down—for your most valuable content, and use headers to break your information into easy-to-read chunks. Use white space strategically, and don’t use banners as previous overuse has led to the phenomena called ‘banner blindness.’
You’ve invested in producing quality, well-structured content. Is that enough? What other factors affect search rank? Site speed. A faster site tends to rank higher than slower sites. You can use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to rate optimization and receive recommendations. Social signals. These include the number of shares and tweets.
Now to put my new-found knowledge into practice!
References:
Agius, Aaron. (2015, December 24). “It’s Time to Rethink Your SEO Approach for 2016.” Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/253288 on 2017, June 27.
Cain, Kevin. (2012, August 29). “How to Optimize Content When You Don’t Know Jack about SEO.” Retrieved from http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2012/08/optimize-content-when-you-dont-know-seo/ on 2017, June 27.
Dragilev, Dmitry. (2016, May 11). “Six Top SEO Factors in 2016.” Retrieved from http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2016/29906/six-top-seo-factors-in-2016 on 2017, June 27.
Patel, Neil. (2014, April 16). “8 Powerful Takeaways from Eye Tracking Studies.” Retrieved from https://www.quicksprout.com/2014/04/16/8-powerful-takeaways-from-eye-tracking-studies/ on 2017, June 27.
Si, Sean. “What are Meta Tags and why are they important?” Retrieved from https://seo-hacker.com/what-are-meta-tags-and-why-are-they-important/ on 2017, September 2.
Weiss, Aaron. (2015, December 29). “Trip Through the Google Zoo.” Retrieved from https://www.searchengineacademy.com/blog/trip-through-the-google-zoo/ on 2017, June 27.
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